Suzuki RM 250 2003 - Front Fork Tuning Procedure

FRONT FORK AND STEERING 15-9
FRONT FORK TUNING PROCEDURE
Test ride the motorcycle and find out how the front suspension reacts on various types of surface. According
to the symptom noticed, adjust the front fork to the best setting for rider and race track conditions. To adjust,
attempt changing fork oil capacity and compression/rebound damping following the instructions below.
NOTE:
When adjusting the front fork oil capacity, make sure that the oil level is within the specified range. Also, the
capacity should be increased or decreased by 5 mm (0.2 in) [Approx. 5 ml (0.17/0.18 US/Imp oz)] at a time.
When adjusting the damping setting, attempt turning the adjuster 1 to 2 click stops at a time for each adjust-
ment.
SYMPTOM SECTION ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
Feels too hard overall • Jump
• Large bumps
• Series of medium
bumps
1. Adjust both the compression and rebound
damping to a softer setting.
2. Decrease fork oil capacity.
3. Replace the spring with an optional softer one.
Feels too soft overall and
bottoms
• Jump
• Large bump
• When braking
1. Adjust the compression damping to a stiffer set-
ting.
2. Increase fork oil capacity.
3. Replace the spring with an optional stiffer one.
Feels too hard near end
of travel
• Jump 1. Decrease fork oil capacity.
Feels too soft near end of
travel and bottoms
harshly
• Jump
• Large bump
1. Adjust the compression damping to a stiffer set-
ting.
2. Increase fork oil capacity.
Feels too hard in the
beginning of stroke
• Jump
• Large bump
• Series of medium
bumps
• Series of small bumps
1. Adjust the compression damping to a softer set-
ting.
Feels too soft and unsta-
ble
• Series of medium
bumps
• Series of small bumps
1. Adjust the rebound damping to a stiffer setting.
Bounces • Jump
• Large bump
1. Adjust the rebound damping to a stiffer setting.
Bounces • Series of small bumps 1. Adjust the rebound damping to a softer setting.